Coupling having seal with retracting center leg

ABSTRACT

A coupling for joining pipe elements has segments surrounding a central space with cusps which engage lobes of a seal to maintain the segments in spaced apart relation in a preassembled state. While the coupling is in the preassembled state the pipe elements may be inserted into the central space without disassembling the coupling, and portions of the seal adjacent to attachment members on the segments seat within a channel defined by the segments between the cusps. When the seal is compressed between the segments and the pipe elements to form a joint the seal deforms so as to withdraw a center leg of the seal from the flow path defined within the pipe elements.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims benefit of priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/514,229, filed Jun. 2, 2017, whichapplication is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to mechanical couplings and seals for joiningpipe elements.

BACKGROUND

One form of mechanical pipe coupling comprises segments attached to oneanother end to end surrounding a central space. A seal, for example aring seal formed of an elastomeric material, is captured between thesegments. The segments are attached end to end using adjustableattachment members, for example, lugs positioned at each end of eachsegment which receive fasteners joining the ends. Examples of suchcouplings are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,796. The segmentssurround and engage the ends of pipe elements to form a mechanicaljoint, and the seal is compressed between the segments and the pipeelements to ensure fluid tightness.

It is advantageous to support the segments in spaced apart relationsufficient to permit pipe elements to be inserted into the central spacedefined by the segments while the segments are held together by thefasteners. This “preassembled state” of the coupling promotes rapidformation of the joint as the coupling need not be disassembled andreassembled when connecting the pipe elements. Prior art couplingssupport the segments in the preassembled state on the outercircumference of the ring seal. However, there are opportunities toachieve a more compact coupling design where the segments are stillsupported on the seal in spaced relation sufficient to permit pipeelements to be inserted into the central space.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the invention concerns a coupling for joining pipeelements in end to end relation. In one example embodiment, the couplingcomprises first and second segments attached to one another end to endand surrounding a central space. Each of the segments has a channelextending circumferentially around and facing the central space. Each ofthe channels is defined by first and second shoulders located onopposite sides of the segments and a back surface extending between theshoulders. Each shoulder comprises a first surface facing the centralspace and a second surface oriented at an angle with respect to thefirst surface. The first and second surfaces of the first shoulder meetat a first cusp, the first and second surfaces of the second shouldermeet at a second cusp. A seal is positioned within the central space.The seal comprises a ring having first and second lobes positioned onopposite sides thereof. First and second attachment members arepositioned at opposite ends of each of the segments attaching thesegments to one another. The attachment members are adjustablytightenable for drawing the segments toward one another. Contact betweenthe first cusp and the first lobe and the second cusp and the secondlobe between the first and second attachment members on each the segmentmaintains the first and second segments in spaced relation sufficient topermit insertion of the pipe elements into the central space.

In a specific example the first and second lobes contact the secondsurfaces of the first and second shoulders adjacent to the first andsecond attachment members when the first and second segments are in thespaced relation.

By way of example the seal further comprises a center leg positionedbetween the first and second lobes. The center leg projects toward thecentral space. When the seal is seated within the channel such that atleast a portion of the first lobe contacts the second surface of thefirst shoulder and at least a portion of the second lobe contacts thesecond surface of the second shoulder the seal is deformed such that thecenter leg is retracted toward the back surface.

An example embodiment may further comprise first and second arcuateprojections arranged on opposite sides of each of the first and secondsegments. The first projections extend from the first shoulders on thefirst and second segments, the second projections extend from the secondshoulders of the first and second segments in this example. Further byway of example, the first arcuate projections may have a greater radiusof curvature than the second arcuate projections.

Another example coupling for joining pipe elements in end to endrelation comprises first and second segments attached to one another endto end and surrounding a central space. Each of the segments has achannel extending circumferentially around and facing the central space.Each of the channels is defined by first and second shoulders located onopposite sides of the segments and a back surface extending between theshoulders. Each shoulder comprises a first surface facing the centralspace and a second surface oriented at an angle with respect to thefirst surface. The first and second surfaces of the first shoulder meetat a first cusp, the first and second surfaces of the second shouldermeet at a second cusp. A seal is positioned within the central space.The seal comprises a ring having first and second lobes positioned onopposite sides thereof and a center leg between the first and secondlobes. The center leg projects toward the central space. First andsecond attachment members are positioned at opposite ends of each of thesegments attaching the segments to one another. The attachment membersare adjustably tightenable for drawing the segments toward one anotherand seating the seal within the channel, thereby deforming the seal.When the seal is seated within the channel, at least a portion of thefirst and second lobes are in contact with the second surfaces of thefirst and second shoulders so as to deform the seal. The center leg isretracted toward the back surface upon deformation of the seal.

Further by way of example, contact between the first cusp and the firstlobe and the second cusp and the second lobe between the first andsecond attachment members on each the segment maintains the first andsecond segments in spaced relation sufficient to permit insertion of thepipe elements into the central space. While in the preassembled state,the first and second lobes may contact the second surfaces of the firstand second shoulders adjacent to the first and second attachment memberswhen the segments are in the spaced relation.

In another example, first and second arcuate projections may be arrangedon opposite sides of each if the first and second segments. The firstprojections extend from the first shoulders on the first and secondsegments, the second projections extend from the second shoulders of thefirst and second segments. Also by way of example, the first arcuateprojections may have a greater radius of curvature than the secondarcuate projections.

The invention also encompasses, in combination, a pair of pipe elementsand a coupling for joining the pipe elements in end to end relation. Byway of example the coupling comprises first and second segments attachedto one another end to end and surrounding a central space. Each of thesegments has a channel extending circumferentially around and facing thecentral space. Each of the channels is defined by first and secondshoulders located on opposite sides of the segments and a back surfaceextending between the shoulders. Each shoulder comprises a first surfacefacing the central space and a second surface oriented at an angle withrespect to the first surface. The first and second surfaces of the firstshoulder meet at a first cusp, the first and second surfaces of thesecond shoulder meet at a second cusp. A seal is positioned within thecentral space. The seal comprises a ring having first and second lobespositioned on opposite sides thereof. First and second attachmentmembers are positioned at opposite ends of each of the segmentsattaching the segments to one another. The attachment members areadjustably tightenable for drawing the segments toward one another.Contact between the first cusp and the first lobe and the second cuspand the second lobe between the first and second attachment members oneach the segment maintain the first and second segments in spacedrelation sufficient to permit insertion of the pipe elements into thecentral space.

In an example embodiment the first and second lobes contact the secondsurfaces of the first and second shoulders adjacent to the first andsecond attachment members when the first and second segments are in thespaced relation.

The invention also includes, in combination, a pair of pipe elements anda coupling for joining the pipe elements in end to end relation. In anexample embodiment the coupling comprises first and second segmentsattached to one another end to end and surrounding a central space. Eachof the segments has a channel extending circumferentially around andfacing the central space. Each of the channels is defined by first andsecond shoulders located on opposite sides of the segments and a backsurface extending between the shoulders. Each shoulder comprises a firstsurface facing the central space and a second surface oriented at anangle with respect to the first surface. The first and second surfacesof the first shoulder meet at a first cusp, the first and secondsurfaces of the second shoulder meet at a second cusp. A seal ispositioned within the central space. The seal comprises a ring havingfirst and second lobes positioned on opposite sides thereof and a centerleg between the first and second lobes. The center leg projects towardthe central space. First and second attachment members are positioned atopposite ends of each of the segments attaching the segments to oneanother. The attachment members are adjustably tightenable for drawingthe segments toward one another and seating the seal within the channel,thereby deforming the seal. When the seal is seated within the channel,at least a portion of the first and second lobes are in contact with thesecond surfaces of the first and second shoulders so as to deform theseal, the center leg being retracted toward the back surface upondeformation of the seal. By way of example, contact between the firstcusp and the first lobe and the second cusp and the second lobe betweenthe first and second attachment members on each the segment maintainsthe first and second segments in spaced relation sufficient to permitinsertion of the pipe elements into the central space.

The invention also encompasses a method of connecting first and secondpipe elements to one another using a coupling comprising first andsecond segments attached to one another end to end surrounding a centralspace. A seal is positioned between the segments, the seal comprisingfirst and second lobes on opposite sides thereof and a center legpositioned between the lobes, the center leg projecting toward thecentral space. IN an example embodiment the method comprises:

supporting the segments in spaced apart relation on the seal bycontacting first and second points on the first lobe with first cusps offirst shoulders of the first and second segments, the first and secondpoints on the first lobe being between ends of the first and secondsegments, and by contacting first and second points on the second lobewith second cusps of second shoulders of the first and second segments,the first and second points on the second lobe being between ends of thefirst and second segments;

inserting the pipe elements into the central space, the center leg beingbetween the pipe elements;

drawing the first and second segments toward one another and therebydeforming the seal such that the center leg is retracted in a directionaway from the central space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an example coupling according to theinvention shown in a preassembled state;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken at line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the coupling shown in FIG. 1 receivingpipe elements when in its preassembled state;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken at line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the coupling shown in FIG. 1 joining pipeelements;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken at line 7-7 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of acoupling according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a coupling 10 according to theinvention. Example coupling 10 comprises first and second segments 12and 14 attached to one another end to end and surrounding a centralspace 16. In this example attachment of the segments 12 and 14 to oneanother is effected by first and second adjustably tightenableattachment members 18 which comprise lugs 20, 22 positioned at oppositeends of each segment 12, 14. Lugs 20, 22 receive fasteners, such asbolts 24 and nuts 26 which draw the segments 12 and 14 toward oneanother when tightened. A seal 28 is positioned between the segments 12and 14. As shown in FIG. 2, seal 28 comprises a ring 30 having first andsecond lobes 32 and 34 positioned on opposite sides of the ring. Lobes32 and 34 extend circumferentially around the ring 30. Acircumferentially extending sealing surface 36 is positioned at the endof each lobe 32, 34. Sealing surfaces 36 face the central space 16 andengage pipe elements to effect a fluid tight joint as explained below. Acenter leg 38 extends from ring 30 toward the central space 16. Thecenter leg 38 extends circumferentially around the ring 30 and acts as apipe stop to ensure that pipe elements are properly seated within thecoupling as described below.

As shown in FIG. 2, each segment 12 and 14 (14 shown) comprises achannel 40 extending circumferentially around each segment, the channels40 facing the central space 16. Each channel 40 is defined by first andsecond shoulders 42 and 44 and a back surface 46. Shoulders 42 and 44are located on opposite sides of segments 12 and 14 and the back surface46 extends between the shoulders. First shoulder 42 comprises a firstsurface 48 which faces the central space 16, and a second surface 50oriented at an angle with respect to the first surface 48. The first andsecond surfaces 48, 50 meet at a first cusp 52. Second shoulder 44comprises a first surface 54 which faces the central space 16, and asecond surface 56 oriented at an angle with respect to the first surface54. The first and second surfaces 54, 56 meet at a second cusp 58. Inthis example embodiment the first and second cusps 52, 58 are rounded,but other shapes are feasible. In this example coupling the segments 12and 14 also comprise arcuate projections 60 and 62 arranged on oppositesides of each segment 12 and 14. The arcuate projections, also called“keys” engage circumferential grooves in the pipe elements to providemechanical engagement as described below.

FIG. 1 shows the coupling 10 in the “preassembled state” wherein thesegments 12 and 14 are supported on the seal 28 in spaced apart relationsufficient to permit pipe elements to be inserted into the central space16 as described below. The fasteners (bolts 24, nuts 26) hold thesegments 12 and 14 against the seal 28 in the preassembled state. Asshown in FIG. 2, separation of the segments 12 and 14 in thepreassembled state is maintained because the first and second cusps 52and 58 respectively contact the first and second lobes 32 and 34 of theseal 28. Contact between the cusps 52, 58 and the lobes 32, 34 extendscircumferentially over a substantial portion of the segments 12 and 14.As shown in FIG. 3, when the coupling 10 is in the preassembled state,portions of the seal 28 adjacent to the attachment members 18 seatwithin the channel 40, as evinced by deformation of the lobes 32 and 34toward one another as the first lobe 32 contacts the first surface 50 ofthe first shoulder 42 and the second lobe 34 contacts the second surface56 of the second shoulder 44.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate use of the example coupling 10. As shown in FIG. 4,with the coupling 10 in the preassembled state pipe elements 64 and 66are inserted into the central space 16 defined by the segments 12 and14. Insertion is possible because the segments 12 and 14 are supportedin spaced relation by contact between the cusps 52 and 58 and the lobes32 and 34 as shown in FIG. 5. The pipe elements are inserted into thecentral space 16 to the extent that they contact the center leg 38 ofthe seal 28, which acts as a pipe stop. When the ends of the pipeelements 64 and 66 contact the center leg 38 each arcuate projection 60,62 aligns with a respective circumferential groove 68, 70 in each pipeelement.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the fasteners (bolts 24, nuts 26) aretightened and the segments 12 and 14 are drawn toward one another. Asshown in FIG. 7 the seal 28 is thus compressed between the segments 12and 14 and the pipe elements 64, 66 and deforms as it seats withinchannel 40 over the region between the attachment members 18 (see alsoFIG. 6). As the seal 28 deforms, the sealing surfaces 36 sealinglyengage the pipe elements 64 and 66 and the lobes 32 and 34 move towardone another as they contact the second surfaces 50 and 56 of the firstand second shoulders 42 and 44. Motion of the lobes 32 and 34 toward oneanother as the seal 28 seats causes the center leg 38 to retract towardthe back surfaces 46 of segments 12 and 14 (14 shown). Retraction of thecenter leg 38 removes it from the flow path through the pipe elements 64and 66 and thereby reduces turbulence and consequent head loss. As thesegments 12 and 14 are further drawn toward one another the arcuateprojections 60 and 62 engage their respective circumferential grooves 68and 70 to effect a mechanical connection between the coupling 10 and thepipe elements 64 and 66.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a pipe coupling 80 according to theinvention. Coupling 80 differs from the example embodiments describedabove in that the first arcuate projections on one side of segments 86and 88 have a greater radius of curvature 90 than the radius ofcurvature 92 of the second arcuate projections 94 and 96 on the oppositeside of segments 86 and 88. Coupling 80 is a “transition” coupling whichpermits larger diameter pipe elements 98 to be connected to smallerdiameter pipe elements 100. FIG. 8 shows the lobes 102 of seal 102deformed and forming a fluid tight seal between the pipe elements 98 and100 and the coupling 80. Center leg is shown retracted from the fluidflow path so that it does not cause turbulence and head loss.

Using pipe couplings according to the invention, wherein the segmentsare supported in spaced relation in the preassembled state on the lobesof the seal, as opposed to the seal's outer circumference, allows apreassembled coupling to be formed with minimized ovality of the ringseal, permits greater separation of the segments for a given ring sealdiameter, and retracts the center leg out of the fluid flow path toreduce head loss due to turbulence.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of maintaining first and second segmentsof a coupling in spaced relation in a preassembled state to permit pipeelements to be inserted into a central space surrounded by said segmentswhen said segments are attached end to end, said method comprising:positioning a seal within said central space, said seal having first andsecond lobes positioned on opposite sides thereof; contacting said firstlobe with a cusp of a first shoulder of said first and second segmentsat first and second points between ends of said first and secondsegments and contacting said second lobe with a cusp of a secondshoulder at first and second points between ends of said first andsecond segments; contacting said first lobe with a surface of said firstshoulder of said first and second segments at points proximate said endsof said first and second segments and contacting said second lobe with asurface of said second shoulder of said first and second segments atpoints proximate said ends of said first and second segments.
 2. Amethod of connecting first and second pipe elements to one another usinga coupling comprising first and second segments attached to one anotherend to end surrounding a central space, a seal being positioned betweensaid segments, said seal comprising first and second lobes on oppositesides thereof and a center leg positioned between said lobes, saidcenter leg projecting toward said central space, said method comprising:supporting said segments in spaced apart relation on said seal bycontacting first and second points on said first lobe with first cuspsof first shoulders of said first and second segments, said first andsecond points on said first lobe being between ends of said first andsecond segments, and by contacting first and second points on saidsecond lobe with second cusps of second shoulders of said first andsecond segments, said first and second points on said second lobe beingbetween ends of said first and second segments; inserting said pipeelements into said central space, said center leg being between saidpipe elements; drawing said first and second segments toward one anotherand thereby deforming said seal such that said center leg is retractedin a direction away from said central space.